America has multiple climates. Its upper tundra regions barely experience rainfall and are relatively snowier and colder all year round. The western regions, on the other hand, could be described as the absolute opposite with their generally hotter and more humid climate.
The Mideast, being a point of convergence among contrasting air concentrations, endure an ever inclement climate and, therefore are visited by several destructive rain, hail, and thunderstorms. Such erratic weather could be felt more moderately in the Great Plains.
If your new house is still underway or you are planning on replacing your existing roof, it is wise to know ahead the best roofing material to use considering your area’s climate. That way, you would not have to suffer from beyond-tolerable temperatures indoors while making sure your house stays intact when inclement weather strikes.
Here is how the different types of roofing materials compare:
Asphalt
Asphalt, which is a dark gray mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, is commonly used in the development of public roads primarily because of its smooth finish when dry, therefore, delaying the wear of car wheels. This cost-saving material is also highly preferred by industrial developers for waterproofing purposes, hence, its common roofing application.
When used for a house’s roofing shingles, asphalt is versatile for any climate which explains its wide popularity in the housing market. It has an impressive snow-melting quality and its ability to withstand weather that fluctuates from cold and dry to hot and humid.
The dark hue it maintains even after a long weathering period will require you less to maintain it. Because of its naturally dark color, asphalt also effectively retains heat in your house when the weather is cold.
Slate
Slate is a rock formed from eroded soil and rock which is solidified by natural heat, making it a durable roofing material. That said, slate does not require much manual refinement except reshaping them into shingles. A slate roof is said to last for almost 200 years.
Because its heat resistance is already tested by nature, slate is easily fire-resistant. If you are putting up a house in a state with building fireproofing laws in place, your contractor might just recommend the purchase of slate shingles for your house. Only, he needs to make sure that your house’s foundation is built to carry heavy materials like slate shingles are. Speaking of its outstanding weight, slate shingles are not recommended for houses located in places that experience heavy snowfalls, unless a sturdy reinforcement is built around the roof.
Metal
Buying steel or metal panels for your house’s roof could be your best bet if you are particular about its economic life. This is also the best choice if you live somewhere relatively more humid for its high heat resistance and heat-reflective properties. Painting your metal roof a light color will increase its heat-reflecting capabilities. With a metal-clad roof, you can be sure you can keep your home cool even on a scorching hot day and raises your house’s chances of being saved from a devastating wildfire.
Nevertheless, metal roofs perform well during storm season. If you are worried that hard rain or hail fall could leave creases on your roof’s metal plates, just think that it would not be half as bad as asphalt shingles breaking or getting misplaced by strong winds. Metal as a building material is also reliable when it comes to preventing microorganic growth, therefore, assists well in proofing the house from mold growth, among other causes of unattractive grime.
Clay
Clay is soil that maintains a semi-solid form when wet, making it easy to mold into different shapes. When baked, clay becomes less permeable to heat. Compared to the previous roofing materials mentioned, clay is relatively pricier partly because it takes more work to form them into S-shaped tiles. They are engineered as such to allow the roof to usher in cool air while pushing heat out. Moreover, it requires special tools and techniques to install them.
Just like slate shingles, clay ones need a reinforcing structure like rafters that could support their weight. If you live somewhere it rains and snows frequently, do away with clay shingles. On the other hand, if you love somewhere west that where it’s mostly hot year-round, you can bet clay shingles can last you as long as you would reside in your house.
Once a house’s roof incurs damage, it most usually is difficult to bring it back to its original shape. Having to repair it in the most untimely moment, when either it’s too hot, rainy, or snowy outside is not an ideal scenario. Choosing the right material is key to spare yourself from the headache.
Meta title: Appropriate Roofing Material For Every Climate
meta desc: When you want to install new roofs or replace your existing roof in preparation for the next season, you need to choose the right materials for the job. Read on to learn about your best options.
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